Public invited to learn more and provide feedback at a meeting Dec. 5
OLYMPIA – Nov. 26, 2018 – Washington State Parks is holding a series of public meetings to provide information and get feedback on plans for major capital improvements at Schafer State Park near Elma.
The first meeting is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Montesano City Hall, 112 N Main St, Montesano. (Driving directions.) A second meeting will be scheduled in winter 2019 to present a preliminary recommendation for public review.
Capital projects under consideration for the park include:
- Campground relocation. The campground’s current location is adjacent to the Satsop River, and each rainy season much of it is subject to flooding. State Parks would like to move the campground to higher ground to prevent further damage and provide a better experience for visitors.
- Potentially build a new welcome center. A new visitor-contact building, sited on higher ground, would replace the current building located in the campground.
- Improve roads and parking. In addition to providing vehicular access to the new campground and welcome center, State Parks plans to relocate existing parking that’s too close to the river to higher ground.
- Restore habitat on the bank of the Satsop River in the vicinity of the current campground. Each time the river floods the campground, repairs need to be made that include adding gravel and non-native materials, which are not ideal for habitat.
Flooding at Schafer State Park's campground is common during the rainy season, due to the proximity of the campground to the Satsop River.
At the meeting, participants will be presented with park facility conceptual design options by J.A. Brennan Associates of Seattle. Parks staff is asking the public to review these options and provide comments. Those who are unable to attend the meeting can get more information and submit comments online at: http://bit.ly/SchaferPlan
Funding for improvements
State Parks has funding in the current biennium budget to plan, design and pursue permits for these improvements. The agency is requesting funding for construction in the 2019 – 2021 biennium.
About Schafer State Park
Schafer State Park is a 113-acre camping and day use park located in Mason County. The park is located on the Satsop River midway between Olympia and the Pacific Ocean. The park offers water access to the Satsop, day-use activities including hiking and picnicking, and overnight camping. Many of the buildings at the park were constructed in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) using native river rocks and wood. https://parks.state.wa.us/580/Schafer
New media contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Michael Hankinson, (360) 725-9756
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 18-074